From: Gyit Tu
EMail: bookwormz_99@yahoo.com
My father finds solace in cooking. Whenever he is stressed from work, he would whip up our favorite dishes at home. Cooking also became my mother’s favorite hobby since she retired as a housewife. So it is indeed a pity for them to have a daughter who cannot eat more than two dishes at a time, is very choosy and has a very tiny stomach. However, they must have been granted a consolation in my younger brother who cannot take a meal without a minimum of three dishes and would savor every dish available (whether he likes it or not) in big servings. As much as I cannot eat a great deal, I do not find passion in cooking too.
My father possesses talent in both the pen and the (cooking) pan. I did not inherit the latter though. My first attempt at cooking came when I lived on my own on university campus. My classmates were appalled to discover that I could only fry an egg. Over the 3 years I spent to get a degree, I not only became a graduate but also someone who could prepare a decent meal which consist of chicken curry, fried rice, veggie dish. Surprisingly, my limited dishes are popular with my friends who have tasted them. It is a shame though that my parents have not had a chance to taste my cooking. Last week, I tried to cook a veggie dish for them as they both fell sick. It turned out too salty since my ability to estimate the amount of essential ingredients has turned rusty over the 2 years of just relishing my mother’s cooking.
I actually pity my Significant Half who will have to spend the rest of his life with a woman who does not find pleasure in cooking. People say, “To a man’s heart is through his stomach”. Thank god the saying does not apply to him too. He assures me relentlessly that we can always eat out. Thank god we live in a country where many cuisine (such as Chinese, Burmese, Indian, Malay, Thai, Vietnamese) are available. However, I am still undaunted because I have seen someone who mastered the art of cooking from recipes after giving birth to 6 children. You see, there is still hope for me.
After all, I believe I can learn how to cook when the time has come though I might never enjoy the whole process. Till then, please let me fill my stomach with my parents’ great dishes.
************************************************ Note: This is a self-critical reflection upon myself and something to share with others who might be in the same "plight". Comments (be either critical or complimentary) will be kindly declined.